How to Upgrade from Outlook Express to Outlook 2010

The article has been designed to assist users in upgrading from Microsoft Outlook Express (OE) to Microsoft Outlook 2010 using simple methods. The instructions are reliable and correct to the date. However it is still advised that users.

Outlook 2010, the latest version of Microsoft’s years old email client viz. Outlook, has gained popularity among Windows users for creating or managing emails, contacts, and calendar entries among others personal information. Even Outlook Express is the old email client; however, Microsoft renamed it to Windows Mail and then Windows Live Mail, the latest version.

Both Outlook Express and Outlook differ from each other in their features and functionalities. While Outlook Express serves only home users, Outlook is the more enhanced version designed for business and professional users.

Though it is not difficult to upgrade to Outlook 2010 from Outlook Express, users may still stumble upon common Microsoft Outlook problems. Don’t worry as we have brought you step-by-step instructions that will help you upgrade to Outlook 2010 from Outlook Express without taking help of Microsoft technical support.

Instructions:
First, you would be required to purchase the latest version of MS-Outlook 2010 if you haven’t already got one. Before you begin with the downloading and installation of Outlook 2010, it is must to follow these instructions. Back up your Outlook Express data first (if you want) so that you can import it later into Outlook 2010.

Uninstall any previous or beta version of Outlook before installing Outlook 2010.

 Since Outlook Express is integrated into Internet Explorer or Windows operating system, it cannot be uninstalled or removed from your system. However, it can be disabled so that it doesn’t interfere with Outlook 2010.

Visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) and download Outlook 2010. Save the file when prompted to desktop or the location where you can easily access it from. Locate the file and double click to open it. Follow the wizard’s instructions and install Outlook 2010. Wait until the process finishes and prompts you to reboot the computer. Once the computer has rebooted fully, open Outlook 2010, click on the File tab, and select Options from the dropdown list. Click on the Advanced tab and then click on Export. This will launch the Import and Export Wizard. Click to select Import Internet Mail Account Settings and then click on the Next button. Select Microsoft Outlook Express and then click on the Next button to proceed. Ensure that you select the correct name of before clicking on the Next button. Ensure that the email settings are correct including the account name, email address, and incoming/outgoing server information among others. Select the internet connection method and then click on the Next button. When done, click on the Finish button to close the window. Now, you are ready to send/receive emails or use your personal information in Outlook 2010.

Additional Tips:
Sometimes after you have installed Outlook and when you try to launch it, you see that your previous email client viz. Outlook Express opens up instead. This is because your previous client has been set to open by default. You need to set Outlook 2010 as your default email client by following these instructions. Launch Outlook 2010, click on the File tab, and select Options. Click on the General tab and then click on Make Outlook the default program for E-mail, Contacts and Calendar under the Start up options. Click on the OK button to close the window.

Even if you have downloaded Outlook 2010 while the previous version (Outlook’s version) still exists in your system, Outlook 2010 will automatically upgrade your settings and wipe out the previous version. This essentially means that you won’t be able to use your previous version.